Collective Works, a coworking space located in the business district of Singapore, has been officially launched

A common co-working space within Collective Works Capital Tower.

A typical co-working space at Collective Works Capital Tower.

Collective Works, the first coworking space in Singapore’s central business district, has partnered with CapitaLand to open its second location. This 22,000 square foot “office of the future,” designed for high performance, takes up the entirety of the 12th floor in the 52-story Capital Tower situated in Tanjong Pagar.

Collective Works has built a reputation for its stylish design and meticulous attention to detail, including a focus on ergonomics, ambiance, lighting, and acoustic sound. The technology setup encompasses secure on-site server hosting, video conferencing capabilities, IP telephony, and redundant fiber optic broadband.

The office’s interior, crafted by Contrast Design, revolves around the idea of “unfolding space,” offering something unexpected at every turn. The space is divided into distinct zones, each aimed at enhancing productivity, fostering connections, and promoting collaboration.

Businesses can choose from a variety of options, from hot desks and dedicated spaces to more traditional offices of various sizes. Collective Works has integrated private, secure meeting rooms, conference call areas, and brainstorming zones. There’s even a dedicated studio for producing media, including podcasts.

Jonathan O’Byrne, the founder of Collective Works, views coworking as a “personal mission” that stemmed from his own struggles finding the right workspace for his business. With a background in design, he believed he could create spaces and solutions that address people’s needs. His focus is on enhancing both the quality of work and the workspace.

He noted significant interest from a wide range of industries, with over 60 companies in talks to join Collective Works Capital Tower in the coming months. O’Byrne emphasized the company’s focus on curating a diverse yet consistently high-quality community at Collective Works Capital Tower.

The new space is already home to global venture capital firm 500 Startups, alongside various marketing, computer programming, and data analytics companies. Global financial, technology, and law firms have also expressed interest.

O’Byrne highlighted the rising demand across Asia from entrepreneurs looking for more personalized business solutions, stating that the new space and premium community at the prestigious Capital Tower offer a unique environment for clients.

Wen Khai Meng, CEO of CapitaLand Singapore, expressed excitement about collaborating with Collective Works to provide even more inspiring spaces that cater to all business requirements. He sees the new Collective Works space as a versatile, high-quality work environment that presents networking, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing opportunities. Meng views this as a demonstration of CapitaLand’s forward-thinking approach as a leading real estate developer.

He emphasized that the collaboration leverages CapitaLand’s market expertise and vast network, allowing them to connect with a dynamic new market while enriching what they offer to current clients and corporate partners. Meng expressed delight in welcoming prominent members, like 500 Startups, who bring a new energy to the Capital Tower community. He sees coworking as aligning with CapitaLand’s “office of the future” vision, where work happens in collaborative, community-driven, and creative hubs, and is eager to observe its evolution.

Meng concluded by assuring potential tenants that CapitaLand will take care of everything, allowing them to simply sign up and focus on their work.

A living wall greets visitors at the reception area.

A living wall welcomes visitors in the reception area.

One of the many offices within Collective Works. All offices come with glass walls and similar furniture but are of different sizes to accommodate different business requirements.

One of the many offices within Collective Works. All offices feature glass walls and similar furniture, but come in different sizes to suit varying business needs.

The office has been designed with discussion areas in nooks and corners to stimulate creativity and collaboration.

Throughout the office, discussion areas are strategically placed to spark creativity and encourage collaborative work.


Another common working area.

Many of the common working areas boast impressive city views.

Small details. Tables marked with the ‘CO’ sticker - for co-working - are meant for common use.

Tables designated for shared use are marked with a “CO” sticker, indicating “co-working.”

The Standing Room, so named because it is meant for discussions to take place among people who are standing, was conceived to change the dynamics of decision-making.

The aptly named “Standing Room” is designed for discussions held standing up, aiming to shift the traditional dynamics of decision-making.

Each meeting room has a touch panel outside showing when it has been booked.

Each meeting room features a touch panel outside indicating its booking status.

Lockers for Collective Works members come in different sizes. Each locker has a combination lock of four digits instead of the standard three for extra security, and a slot at the top for mail.

Collective Works provides members with lockers in various sizes, each secured with a four-digit combination lock for enhanced security and featuring a mail slot for added convenience.

Sound-proof phone booths for conference calls.

Soundproof phone booths are available for private conference calls.

Coffee quality may seem like a small detail for a co-working space, but Collective Works came up with Custom Blend B from Colombian Arabica and Ethiopian Sidamo Cherry Red coffee varieties. The beans are blended and roasted by a boutique roaster in Singapore, processed in batches of only 20kg batches a month for freshness. Three blends were originally developed but Blend B was the favourite.

Even the coffee is thoughtfully curated at Collective Works. They’ve selected Custom Blend B, a blend of Colombian Arabica and Ethiopian Sidamo Cherry Red coffee beans. The beans are roasted and blended by a local boutique roaster in small 20kg batches each month to ensure freshness. Blend B was chosen as the favorite after three initial blends were developed.

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